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Why Electric Bus?

How Electric Buses Benefit Operators and the Public

As we head towards the age of renewable energy, the latest advances in technology have powered electric buses to become a viable alternative for public transportation. Electric buses have several advantages for both operators and the public.

How Operators can Profit

The biggest piece of news is that operators do not have to dole out for diesel. Using electric energy actually costs 60% less for the same distance, offsetting the initial cost of an electric bus with significantly lower operational costs and energy efficiency.

Maintenance costs will also be considerably lower, as the electric motors will reduce wear and tear especially during intermittent stop and start journeys between busy routes.

Additionally, there are no more mechanical parts compared to a conventional diesel engine. The batteries can also last up to 5 years before they need to be replaced, and they can be recycled whilst also retaining 70% of their original capacity.

This evidence has been backed up worldwide. A recent study in Bangalore shows that electric buses have proven to be more profitable, generating 27% more revenue and 82% more profits than diesel buses per day.

The Advantages for the Public

By just hitching a ride on the bus, you are already playing your part to save the environment. Electric buses can cut up to 25 tonnes of CO2emission every year if it replaces a diesel bus. That means cleaner air for you and the whole city. Another advantage is the peace and quiet you will enjoy. The electric engine is almost noiseless, and will help reduce noise pollution in busy urban areas as well as make your ride a calmer one.

Over the last few years, local company Sync R&D has been developing EBIM (Elektrik Bas Inovasi Malaysia) with the region’s first full Composite Monocoque Body. This body is built with added safety features allowing it to absorb impact better, keeping you out of harms way in case of an accident. Sync R&D is currently working towards making EBIM fit for Malaysian roads, and hopefully by the end of 2016 we’ll all be able to enjoy the benefits of using one.

Riding on public support

The reaction from around the world has been encouraging so far; with surveys in busy cities such as Seattle, San Francisco and Lyon reporting that electric buses are now the most popular choice of public transportation. If these early indications are anything to go by, in just a few years we Malaysians will be commuting through the city on a bus powered by electricity.

A better riding experience

Remember the noise and smell of fuel-powered buses? Well, the electric bus engines make next to no sound, and it also drastically lowers the vibration of the bus structure. This results in a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable experience for passengers.

Improved safety features

The EBIM bus from Sync R&D is built using a monocoque fiberglass frame. This means that the body is built by assembling layers upon layers of glass, which ensures that the bus weighs lighter, and will not rust. It also helps the body absorb impact better, making the bus sturdier and safer in the event of any unfortunate incident.

Less maintenance cost

Electric buses have several great cost-saving features. One of it is called regenerative braking. This means that every time the bus brakes, they can reuse the friction and turn it into energy to charge the battery. Electric buses also have lower, more stable operational costs in the long run, as they don’t need to rely on the fluctuating prices of fuel.

It saves energy and the environment

One of the most obvious advantages of electric buses is the fact that they don’t release any exhaust fumes, which means they won’t pollute our atmosphere with harmful gasses. However, that is hardly the only benefit.